Thais Bock, a renowned bird enthusiast, conservationist and piano teacher in Federal Way, died Feb. 25 at age 92.

Thais was born Sept. 1, 1917, in Sewickley, Pa., and was a Federal Way resident for more than 40 years. She married James Bock in 1943, and they had two children: Diana Bock of Lynnwood and James Bock of Tennessee.

One of the founding members of Tahoma Audubon Society and founder of Rainier Audubon Society, Thais was instrumental in developing knowledge and awareness of native bird populations in the South Puget Sound area, including the Hylebos. She shared her knowledge through classes, field trips and articles. For decades, she led the Christmas Bird Census for the Browns Point-Federal Way region.

Thais also led successful preservation efforts for the Dumas Bay and Peasley Canyon areas and their heron rookeries. A pianist since age 6, Thais was a passionate musician, attending the Symphony and concerts whenever she could.

In 2009, Thais was honored with a Lifetime Stewardship Award from Friends of the Hylebos for her longtime advocacy of the Hylebos Watershed. She helped build a network of birders in the area as well as increasing understanding and awareness of the West Hylebos Wetlands and Hylebos Creek.

A memorial celebration will be held at a date to be determined. For updates, visit www.thaisbock.com